"HIGHWAYS leading to the North and Northeast became more congested than usual this weekend as many people working in Bangkok and nearby provinces made early journeys to their hometowns for the upcoming Songkran Festival."......

OK guys, am I on another planet, or am I totally misreading what is being said? This is what I think has been said:

- Hua Hin Police Chief said no alcohol. So does this mean Hua Hin bars will be closed? If yes, how many/what days? I don't drink, but no alcohol days normally generate a lot of discussion on here.

- Water splashing will only be allowed in designated areas. Has anybody heard what those areas are? I've basically heard Pone Kingpetch Park and there will be a foam party at Market Village. Is there anything else being permitted, water wise? Is the 5 Street Foam Party happening this year?

- No partying after midnight. If the above is correct (I hope it isn't), there isn't going to be a party anyway.

The whole event seems to be a washout, or am I misinterpreting the rules.

^^ So, will there be water splashing allowed along the parade route, and if so, will bars along the route be not allowed to sell booze then? Would bar owners prefer to be in the wet areas and not sell booze or be in the dry areas and able to sell booze?

Officials in Thailand have ordered that water-throwing activities during Songkran be confined to designated zones in all major provinces.
Alcohol is to be banned in areas where water fights are expected, officials said.
Splashing activities will be allowed in the municipal area, where pick-up trucks are permitted to enter carrying revellers as well as tubs filled with water.
However, water-throwing from the back of pick-ups will be banned along major roads and highways, in compliance with the government’s order, according to the provincial authorities.
Community checkpoints manned by volunteers will also be set up in villages in provinces to encourage motorists not to drink and drive to promote safe driving, according to the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).
Checkpoints can also double as rest stops for motorists who are tired during long drives.

Community checkpoints manned by volunteers will also be set up in villages in provinces to encourage motorists not to drink and drive to promote safe driving, according to the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).

And still - despite so called moves to improve road safety - they say checkpoints manned by VOLUNTEERS.... to ENCOURAGE motorists not to drink and drive. Then they will wonder why the Songkran death toll is so high - again.

Isn't it the job of the police to man checkpoints etc? Not to mention enforce the law. Or maybe I forget. The police will be chucking water around as well. In moderation and without drinking of course.